Parties discuss Great Lakes amendments

A decision by Republican lawmakers to vote down an amendment Tuesday that would strengthen Great Lakes water diversion is proof they are trying to undermine recent efforts to prevent the diversion, state Democratic lawmakers say. But some Republicans argue the amendments aren't needed because an amendment that provides similar provisions is already in conference committee. The proposed amendment, which was voted down 42-59, would add more stringent provisions to protect Great Lakes water from diversion to other states by outlining a water management plan. In March, state Rep.

Police briefs 09/30/04

Honors adviser retires

Many Honors College students know him as the name that appears daily in their e-mail inboxes, but Scott Vaughn has been helping students plan their academic career for the past 35 years. Vaughn, the assistant director of the Honors College, will retire Friday. "It's very rewarding, advising is a lot like teaching in certain respects," Vaughn said.

Sen. crusades against junk food

State Sen. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing, urged health and food services officials from K-12 schools across the state to clean up cafeteria food and teach proper eating habits to students in a conference held Wednesday at Kellogg Center. "It is outrageous what our schools are doing," he said.

Muslim group to discuss revoked visa

The case of Tariq Ramadan and his revoked visa is a cause of outrage for members of the Muslim Students' Association of Michigan State University, but it might have only a minimal impact on the lives of international students. The association, a nationwide student group, is holding presentations at campuses across the nation in an attempt to educate students about what happened to Ramadan. In August, Ramadan, an internationally recognized Islamic scholar, and his family were in the process of relocating to Indiana to teach at the University of Notre Dame, when the U.S.

Lansing organization aids in student jobs

Students preparing to apply for a job can get assistance from an employment counselor at Lansing's Youth Development Corporation. The counselors at the Youth Development Corporation, 806 N.

'Eyes Wide Open' to stop on Capitol lawn

An exhibition commemorating the deaths of the U.S. soldiers in Iraq will be on display today on the state Capitol lawn from 10 a.m.

E.L. council, ASMSU work to bridge gap

ASMSU will host a visit from East Lansing City Councilmember Bill Sharp at its general assembly meeting tonight to discuss recent city development plans that compromise city and student relations.

2 Wednesday robberies disturb city; suspects sought

An MSU student was robbed at gunpoint while walking home from MSU's campus early Wednesday, East Lansing police said.

Democrats file suit against Terry Land for voting regulation

State Democrats filed a federal lawsuit against Secretary of State Terry Lynn Land on Tuesday, claiming that Land is illegally refusing to count provisional ballots in the Nov.

Republican trustee candidate comes to 'U'

MSU Board of Trustees candidate Melanie Foster made her first campaign stop at MSU Tuesday. The fund-raiser reception was held in the atrium of the Radiology Building to promote the current Central Michigan University trustee's campaign.

Police briefs 09/29/04

Recent campus attacks discussed at meeting

About 30 students met Monday evening in the basement of the Union to generate discussion about the sexual assault cases on campus this semester. The meeting focused on how the administration, faculty and media are handling the assaults.

Officials debate rental ordinance

Lansing officials are discussing whether to impose a temporary halt on new rental licenses similar to the one currently in place in East Lansing. Residents weighed in on the halt during a Lansing City Council meeting on Monday. The council introduced the ordinance Monday, and scheduled an Oct.

Officials: International students target of telephone grant scam

Officials from the Office of International Students and Scholars are warning of a phone scam that collects processing fees for a fake grant. According to an e-mail sent by the office, an MSU international student received a phone call last week from a person who claimed to be from a federal government grant agency and said he or she had an $8,000 grant.

ASMSU plans upgrade to long-criticized Web site

ASMSU might soon upgrade its Web site that has been criticized for being ineffective and difficult to navigate. A bill to allocate funds for new technology to expand MSU's undergraduate student government's Web site and offices will be brought forward Thursday in ASMSU's Student Assembly general meeting.

'U' delegates question effectiveness of alliance

After the Association of Michigan Universities conference this weekend at MSU, some of ASMSU's delegates said the association is an ineffective body that doesn't accomplish more than ASMSU can do by itself. "There wasn't a whole lot to be gained from this conference," said Tim Howes, a representative for the College of Engineering in ASMSU's Academic Assembly and an AMU delegate.

Candidates spar over Great Lakes, environment

Sen. John Kerry outlined a plan earlier this month that aims to prevent Great Lakes water diversion and protect the lakes from mercury and other types of pollution that harms fish and closes beaches.

E.L. art galleries cope with student follies

Sometimes a window is bashed in, a shrub is uprooted or a puddle of urine is left behind. But for decades, East Lansing art galleries and artisan shops have managed to coexist alongside bars and other college town standards. Tom Dufelmeier, co-owner of Mackerel Sky Gallery of Contemporary Craft, 217 Ann St., said the key to survival is appreciating the city's diversity. "A college town is a college town," Dufelmeier said.

Police briefs 09/29/04